OCB Week — Wednesday June 20th 2012

Hump day, as they say, even though it makes me giggle like a 10 year old every time. Hump Day…… Everyone good? Giggles done? Let’s get on this. Last night was good. I didn’t crawl so much as show up late, but still, I got a chance to try a couple of beers I hadn’t yet tried, which is always nice. Gearing up for today, and here is why:

It’s been awhile, man. Life’s so rad!

Ten Bitter Years XI – Black Oak Brewing Co.

Unless you’re Ken Woods, owner of Black Oak. Ken is bitter. Very bitter. Imperial IPA bitter. Oh let’s just say it, Ten Bitter Years Bitter. In case you have been living in Iran or were just born, Ten Bitter Years is kind of a big deal. Like, it sells out within a day or two of being released. At the brewery. People go out of their way to drive to the brewery. See? Big deal. Told you so. So it’s a huge deal that another batch is ready, and as such, they are throwing a hell of a party. Tonight, from 5-9 at the brewery, you can come out, get a pint of 10BY, purchase a case of bottles to take home, and enjoy some of Black Oak’s other special release beers for OCB Week. I also happen to know that a crew is meeting at the Monk’s Kettle at 5 for some nibbles and beers then heading down en masse at 6:30. It’s a ticketed thing, but there might be a few spots left. Call (647)348-4848 to find out if they have a spot for you.

This band’s my favorite, man. Don’tcha love ’em?

Tonight is the start of the epic Battle of the Bands at The Only cafe. Yeah, like when you were in high school but with much better beer; legally procured to boot! It turns out that a lot of brewery staff also plays instruments, and finally somebody decided to put them head to head. Fabian, manager at the Only and guitarist extrodinaire, has coordinated it all, so you know it’s going to be a heck of a party. Tonight the band line up is Johnny 3-Row & the IPAints; The Tennessee Voodoo Coupe; Propane Propane; The Julian Taylor Band. Tomorrow will be the second leg, and we’ll talk about that then.

Hey, do you know about the party after the show?

Actually if you wait till after the show, you’ll probably be out of luck. But I was in a Weezer mood and damned if I’ll let a little detail like lack of availability screw up a fun heading pattern. Anyway, what am I talking about? Friends. Friends with benefits, if you get me….. Like friends that both make great beer. That kind of benefits. Tonight Volo will be hosting the crew from Beau’s and Andres Kissmeyer (from Denmark’s Kissmeyer Beers) as they launch their collaboration for Beau’s Wild Oats series, “Venskab”. Quantities are hella limited, so don’t be late. Also, it’s Volo so expect it to be rammed. But from what I’ve read, the beer will be worth it. Things get underway at 9pm, but I would be there before that if you want a shot at drinking it.